A short biography: Isamu Maeda (1901 - 1988)

There is very little information on Maeda Sensei available at present. I hope to collect what I can and present it here in a sort of tribute.

Mr Maeda was one of only three of Kanji Naruse's students who survived the second World War, the others being Mr Eizo Shirakami and Satoshi Saito Sensei. He is regarded as the 4th headmaster of Negishi Ryu shurikenjutsu, and no doubt also the Yamamoto Ryu Iaijutsu.

In the interview in Diane Skoss's "Sword and Spirit: Classical Traditions of Japan Vol 2", Saito Sensei relates an interesting anecdote.

Mr. Maeda was senior to Saito Sensei and Mr Shirakami, and therefore upon Naruse Sensei's death, the title of headmaster of Negishi Ryu was passed on to him. In 1959 after discussion among the three remaining students, Mr Maeda, who felt that his style was not representative of the Ryu, hence requested that the headmaster role be passed on to the next student, Mr Saito. A formal request was made to Naruse Sensei's daughter, Eiko, who agreed, and Saito Sensei became the 5th Soke, of headmaster of the Negishi Ryu.

There is mention of him spending time in China, one website claiming that he learned shuriken there. While it is quite clear he studied under Kanji Naruse Sensei, it may be possible that he was exposed to some form of blade throwing in China. Some video footage of Maeda Sensei does reveal a throwing method uncharacteristic to Negishi Ryu, - it appears he is throwing in what is called the "Chinese Fist method".

It has also been said that Maeda Sensei formed his own style, called Shinei Ryu, and a Mr. Teranaka (Terada?) has learned from him, carrying on Maeda Sensei's throwing style. (To be confirmed)

Mr Isamu Maeda demonstrating Negishi Ryu Shurikenjutsu at the Kyoto Taikai 1967. This film was recorded by the late Charles Gruzanski.
photos courtesy of Robert C. Gruzanski from DVD #1 available here